READ: Luke 2:8-20: … And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!’
“Glory to God” is not a wish for God to be honored. It is an exclamation of great wonder: Glory, honor to God! This ‘glory’ radiated around the shepherds. When God dwelled among His people Israel in the tabernacle or temple, His glory came from heaven to earth. But it was hidden from view by a cloud of smoke. Now, with Christmas, God Himself comes to earth in His Son to dwell among His people. As a sign of this, the shepherds see heavenly light.
The angels speak with full adoration: the glory of God belongs in the highest, most glorious heavens! But now, with Christmas, God sends His Son to bring peace to the earth. Christ, as LORD of glory (1 Cor. 2:8), fulfills God’s justice. He brings reconciliation, resulting in sinful humans finding peace with God through the forgiveness of their sins and the gift of eternal life.
The great wonder is that, for this peace, Christ empties Himself concerning His glory: He becomes human, bears sin, and undergoes death on the cross. The peace He brings is true peace, peace with God. It is not a superficial peace, for it cost Christ His life.
This true peace can be received by grace when you, in faith, accept Christ as your Savior, LORD, and Prince of Peace. The angels’ song reveals for whom this peace is intended and where it comes from: “Good will toward men.” God’s electing goodwill is for sinful humanity.
This goodwill existed even before the foundation of the world. But now, in the fullness of time, it is put into action, and it concerns all God’s chosen children. They may share in the peace with God, achieved through Christ’s sacrifice. They also gain the hope of the eternal reign of peace, which will be perfected on the final day.
How do you experience the peace that Christ has brought?
Singing: Hymn 17:1,5,6 (1984) / 20:1,5,6 (2014)